2023-07-24 12:46:02
Researchers from the British-German research team have made significant findings in their sub-project of the “Human Cell Atlas” called the “Heart Cell Atlas.” This atlas aims to revolutionize the understanding of health and disease by mapping the different cell types in human organs. The project, funded by prominent research institutions such as the US National Institutes of Health and the British Wellcome Trust, is based on the technique of single-cell RNA sequencing.
The recent study, published in Nature, focused on transcriptome research on the human heart. The researchers described a total of 75 cell states for eight heart regions, providing an unprecedented level of accuracy in mapping the cells and gene expression in healthy adult hearts. This detailed knowledge can help understand how cells coordinate to make the heart beat and pump effectively.
The study used heart cell data from 22 organ donors aged between 40 and 75 years. The scientists utilized advanced techniques such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to determine which genes are active in each cell and understand their spatial arrangement in the heart. This information is crucial in determining the function of the heart, as different cell types communicate with each other differently.
One significant discovery made by the researchers was the interaction between pacemaker cells and neighboring glial cells. Glial cells, mostly found in the brain, were thought to support nerve cells. However, it was found that they are also part of the heart’s conduction system and communicate with pacemaker cells through unknown signaling pathways. Further research will be conducted to understand the implications of this interaction on heart rhythm.
In addition, the researchers identified immune cells, specifically plasma cells, in the epicardium of the heart. These cells may form immune niches that help fight off infections. The study also found that an increase in cell types producing the biomarker BNP (brain natriuretic peptides) may indicate chronic cardiac insufficiency.
The “Human Cell Atlas” project is progressing rapidly, with other sub-projects focusing on kidney cells, fetal cells, and lung tissue. The effort to decode the characteristics of human cells has revealed that there are more different cell types than previously assumed. The sequencing of RNA in cells provides valuable insights into their function and contributes to our understanding of human biology and disease.
The completion of the “Human Cell Atlas” will provide scientists and medical professionals with an invaluable resource for studying human health and developing targeted therapies.]
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